Maxing Out Charisma, Inheriting Game Assets Chapter 598: Displaying Virtue in Public, Returning Home

The moment their eyes met.

Wen Ruan turned around, her face blossoming with a bright and warm smile: “Hello, Zhang Yan, I look much more delicate and beautiful in person than in photos.”

She had heard Zhang Yan’s story from Tang Song’s mouth and genuinely felt sorry for this young girl.

Delicate and gentle, with clear and lovely features, her almond-shaped eyes were exceptionally pure.

Her first impression was far better than those “monsters” like Jin Meixiao, Liu Qingning, and Su Yu.

Moreover, her status had now changed.

Previously, when facing those women, she was always on the weaker side, needing help and support.

Su Yu had gifted her a mansion and helped her clean up the printing factory mess; Jin Meixiao had assisted her best friend with cross-border business and gave her a top-tier black card...

Now the wheel of fortune had turned; it was her turn to be the “big sister.”

Looking at Zhang Yan again, she found her increasingly endearing.

This pitiful little look clearly said she was easy to bully... no, easy to get along with.

“Director Wen, hello.” Zhang Yan nervously pressed her lips together, blushing slightly.

Then, imitating others, she tremblingly stretched out her hand.

This was a board director of Xingyun International Group, a celebrity only seen in magazines, and the future leader of her company.

If it weren’t for these past few days that had made her grow quickly, she would definitely be so nervous that she wouldn’t speak clearly now.

Looking at her slender, fair palm, Wen Ruan blinked, then suddenly opened her arms and gave Zhang Yan a solid, soft, and intimate hug with her ample chest.

“Very pleased to meet you.”

Caught off guard by this “big” sister’s sudden attack,

Zhang Yan’s eyes instantly widened, cheeks flushing red, stammering and unsure what to say.

Wen Ruan chuckled lightly and released her. “Don’t be so nervous. Also, about how to address me, I’ve always wanted to correct it—call me Sister Wen or just sister. No need for formalities.”

Zhang Yan lowered her head and said awkwardly, “Okay, thank you... Sister Wen.”

“That’s better.” Wen Ruan happily held her hand. “How is your aunt doing? I heard from Tang Song that the full examination results came out today.”

“Mm.” Mentioning her mother, Zhang Yan’s expression grew solemn. “The doctor said the condition is better than expected, meeting treatment standards, and preparations can start soon.”

“That’s good; that’s better than anything. Don’t overthink it or put too much pressure on yourself. Medical science is very advanced now...”

“I know, thank you, Sister Wen.” Zhang Yan looked at her with some emotion.

The two chatted like this, from work to life, from Yangcheng’s culture to Yancheng’s snowy scenery.

Wen Ruan always brought up topics just right, guiding the introverted Zhang Yan to gradually open up.

She didn’t pry into Tang Song’s private matters, nor did she condescendingly offer “life advice,” just shared joys and sorrows like a caring older sister.

Gradually, Zhou Hui’s tense body completely relaxed.

She found that chatting with Director Wen was a very comfortable and pleasant experience.

Wen Ruan’s innate affinity and strong empathy made people instinctively want to get close to her and trust her.

After chatting for a while,

Wen Ruan signaled to her assistant Wang Dandan beside her.

Wang Dandan immediately opened a shopping bag and handed over a delicately packaged gift box.

“First meeting, and I don’t know what you like,” Wen Ruan said as she placed the gift box into Zhang Yan’s hand. “A pen—not a particularly expensive thing, but I think it suits a talented woman like you. Hope you’ll like it.”

The gift box was from Montblanc; the Meisterstück series fountain pen shimmered warmly under the light.

The pen was slender and elegant, with a delicate nib—very beautiful.

“Ah!” Zhang Yan blushed and quickly declined, “Th-this is too expensive, I can’t accept it...”

She never thought of herself as a talented woman—at most, she had some basics due to her Chinese language and literature major, could write drafts, and recite poems.

“Take it!” Wen Ruan decisively pressed her hand down. “This is my gift to you for our first meeting. If you don’t accept it, it means you look down on me.”

Zhang Yan held the slightly heavy gift box, looked into Wen Ruan’s unyielding eyes, and finally blushed, quietly saying, “...Thank you, Sister Wen.”

“Let’s go, take me to see your aunt.” Wen Ruan affectionately put her arm around Zhang Yan’s shoulder.

They entered the ward.

Wen Ruan immediately placed the fresh flowers and imported fruit basket she had brought onto the bedside table, her face wearing a sincere smile. “Hello, Aunt, I am Zhang Yan’s future colleague, Wen Ruan.”

“Hello, hello.” Zhou Hui looked at this powerful yet kind leader nervously, not knowing where to put her hands.

“Rest assured and focus on your recovery. I will arrange all of Zhang Yan’s work matters; you don’t have to worry about her.”

Upon hearing this, Zhou Hui could no longer hold back, repeatedly thanking her, tears welling and streaming down her reddened eyes.

After some warm exchanges, Wen Ruan glanced at the time and stood up to say goodbye.

Zhang Yan followed closely, escorting her all the way to the elevator at the Special Care Ward entrance.

“By the way, Zhang Yan, when do you plan to start your job?” Wen Ruan turned to the side, softly saying, “My suggestion is to sign the contract first; your social insurance can’t be interrupted. Don’t worry, I won’t assign you many tasks until your situation stabilizes. You can focus on accompanying your aunt.”

This was her future capable aide, the important talent Tang Song personally entrusted, so naturally, she wanted to bring her in quickly.

“I might... need some time.”

Zhang Yan bit her lip, feeling troubled; after all, Bai Rui was still blocking her resignation process, so she couldn’t leave anytime soon.

Wen Ruan immediately noticed her awkwardness and directly asked, “What’s wrong? Encountered trouble?”

“It’s just... a small issue with work handover. I-I’ll solve it as soon as possible.” Zhang Yan hesitated, not wanting to trouble Wen Ruan with those messy matters.

Having worked in the workplace for years, Wen Ruan had seen countless tricky situations.

Looking at Zhang Yan’s state, she could guess about seventy or eighty percent of the problem.

Her eyes flickered slightly, calmly saying, “Alright, if anything comes up, remember to tell me at any time. Don’t bear it all alone.”

Then she slightly turned and pointed to Wang Dandan, who had been quietly standing by. “By the way, this is my assistant, Wang Dandan.”

“Hello, Ms. Zhang Yan.” Wang Dandan smiled and nodded.

“Hello, Assistant Wang.” Zhang Yan quickly responded.

“Well then, we’ll be going first. Bye, take care.”

“Bye.”

The elevator doors slowly closed.

After exiting the hospital, they got into a pre-waiting black Alphard.

As the door shut, Wen Ruan’s smile quietly faded.

She leaned back in the comfortable airline-style seat, posture relaxed but eyes unusually clear.

“Dan Dan, tomorrow at 10 a.m., go to Shucheng Technology with Mr. Wang Chongxian, general manager of the Yangcheng branch. Say I sent you to represent the group to visit our long-term partner and communicate about upcoming cooperation.”

She paused, her fingertips tapping lightly on her knee. “Also, Zhang Yan’s position is tentatively set as Senior Content Cooperation Manager of the Content Ecology Cooperation Department, P6 level, mainly responsible for partner content evaluation.

Oh, and arrange for Mr. Wang and his future new colleague Zhang Yan to meet in advance.”

“Understood, Director Wen!” Wang Dandan immediately nodded, recording the information in her memo.

The black Alphard silently started and merged into the evening traffic.

Wen Ruan looked out at the swiftly flashing neon street scenes, finally allowing a sly and proud smile to curve her lips.

She had to admit, she finally experienced the exhilarating feeling that Director Jin and Su Yu once had—the thrill of planning and controlling everything with ease.

Hmm, indeed... a bit addictive.

*(2V≤)o**

......

November 8, 2023, Wednesday, Start of Winter.

6:50 a.m.

Sunlight broke through the clouds and slipped through the curtains’ gap, casting a narrow and warm beam in the room.

Accompanied by the alarm, Zhang Yan slowly opened her blurry eyes.

Following routine, she went to the bathroom and washed up.

Only when the cold water brushed her cheek did she fully wake.

Back in the bedroom, she sat on the edge of the bed.

After hesitating for a moment, she picked up her phone and opened the pinned chat window.

Her finger hovered over the screen for a long time, carefully typing a line: “Is today’s flight? When will you leave?”

“Buzz buzz buzz—”

[Tang Song: “Yes, the flight is at 10 a.m. this morning.”]

Seeing the message, Zhang Yan’s mood inevitably sank like a stone dropped into a deep well.

She replied with a caring sentence, then crouched down, burying her face in Juzi’s warm fur, gently rubbing its head, her gaze dim.

Although she had mentally prepared, the reality of his departure was still hard to bear.

Perhaps it was the fear that when he returned to Yancheng, to his own world,

their faint connection might become fragile.

At that moment,

“Knock knock knock—” The door suddenly knocked.

Zhang Yan was stunned—who would come knocking at this hour?

She hurried to the door and peeked through the peephole.

Her almond eyes instantly widened; her heart skipped a beat.

With a click, she fumbled to unlock and forcefully opened the old security door.

“T-Tang Song, what are you doing...”

Outside, Tang Song, dressed in a casual suit, quietly stood there, smiling at her.

“Today is the Start of Winter.” He held up a bag, his voice gentle as jade. “Let’s have some delicious dumplings together.”

In the bag, frozen dumplings were neatly stacked.

Zhang Yan’s mind buzzed, and all her worries and sadness instantly vanished, replaced by overwhelming surprise and emotion.

“Oh, o-oh...” she stammered, stepping aside to let him in.

“Good morning, Juzi.” Tang Song waved to the curious orange cat.

Zhang Yan took the bag from him; their fingers brushed, and her face blushed slightly. “I-I’ll go cook the dumplings.”

After saying that, she hurried into the kitchen.

Soon, Tang Song followed in, leaning casually near the door, smiling as he watched her silently.

Being watched so attentively made Zhang Yan’s cheeks burn, her heart racing out of control.

Even her usually skilled actions of boiling water and switching the stove became slow and clumsy.

After boiling the water, she suddenly realized she was still wearing loose, old pajamas and her hair was messy from just waking up.

She whispered embarrassedly, “I-I’ll go change.”

Then, almost running past Tang Song, she slammed the bedroom door shut.

After a while, she came out again.

She wore a rose-red sweatshirt she had just bought online over the weekend—her first time wearing it.

The soft color complemented her naturally fair skin, making her look like a fresh, sweet peach.

Her hair was neatly combed.

“You look really pretty. This sweatshirt suits you.” Tang Song sincerely complimented.

Zhang Yan blushed immediately, lowering her head as she approached the stove.

Soon, two steaming plates of dumplings were placed on the table.

Zhang Yan carefully prepared a dipping sauce of chili and vinegar.

They sat across from each other and began to eat.

Tang Song asked about Zhou Hui’s health with concern while reminding Zhang Yan to rest and not overwork herself.

The meal was slow and quiet but filled with warm, subtle affection.

After finishing the dumplings, they drank a bowl of noodle soup.

Tang Song glanced at his wristwatch and softly said, “I have to head to the airport now.”

The plain sentence instantly broke the warm atmosphere in the room.

“I’ll see you off.” Zhang Yan almost immediately stood, her voice urgent even to herself.

Tang Song picked up Juzi and rubbed the fluffy head firmly. “I’m leaving, Juzi. Bye-bye.”

They walked out of the building.

The early morning air was crisp and slightly cool; their shadows stretched long in the sunlight.

Tang Song stopped and turned around. “This is where I leave you. Go back, pack up, and it’s time for you to head to the company.”

Zhang Yan stood still, unmoving.

She looked up, staring at him steadily.

Those usually habitually evasive almond eyes were now stubbornly locked on his figure.

Her lips moved for a long time before she finally spoke, “...Take care, and... keep warm. The lowest temperature in Yancheng now is just three degrees.”

Tang Song looked at her.

She stood in the morning light.

The breeze gently ruffled her smooth short hair, revealing a smooth forehead and clear almond eyes.

Her face showed reluctance to part, caring worry, and an undeniable affection.

Tang Song’s heart was struck; he opened his arms.

Zhang Yan blushed, hesitated, then stepped forward, summoning courage to hug him gently.

Just as she was about to pull away, Tang Song suddenly lowered his head slowly.

“Ah...” Zhang Yan gasped softly, squeezing her eyes shut.

Then, the soft, warm sensation returned.

Tang Song gently kissed her lips, sucking.

Gradually, his movements grew more forceful.

Zhang Yan’s hands pressed on his chest, her body trembling continuously.

After a long moment, their lips parted.

Zhang Yan still seemed immersed, her gaze hazy, cheeks burning intensely.

Their eyes met in the air.

Tang Song rubbed her head. “I really have to leave now. I’ll come see you and your aunt after a while.”

“Mm... goodbye...” Zhang Yan gave a faint response from her throat.

“Goodbye.” Tang Song couldn’t help but kiss her burning cheek again and then turned away.

Under Zhang Yan’s watchful eyes, he left, glancing back repeatedly.

He walked out of the community gate and got into a waiting Rolls-Royce Cullinan by the roadside.

The door shut solidly with a “bang,” as if completely separating two utterly different worlds.

Lin Muxue softly asked, “President Tang, shall we depart now?”

Her eyes were full of curiosity but tactfully refrained from asking more.

“Mm, let’s go, back to Yancheng!” Tang Song exhaled lightly and leaned back in the soft seat.

The Rolls-Royce Cullinan Phantom slowly started moving.

Yangcheng’s streets flew backward outside the window.

Those old, lively alleys gradually gave way to the towering modern CBD, then to open fields and greenery alongside the airport highway.

Tang Song’s hand had naturally found its way to Muxue’s thigh, wrapped in top-grade black stockings, with an astonishing texture.

He gently and rhythmically massaged it.

Muxue’s cheeks blushed faintly; her legs lightly rubbed together, occasionally squeezing Tang Song’s hand and making a sticky nasal sound.

Her gaze toward Tang Song was like she wanted to set him on fire.

Last night, Tang Song still stayed with Wen Ruan; she had no chance to eat “Tang Song meat.”

On the plane later, who knows—she might have to have a taste to relieve craving.

Soon, the grand Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport slowly came into view.

After two weeks, Tang Song finally started his return journey.

......

Just past 9 a.m., Shucheng Technology.

Lulu returned from the pantry and saw Zhang Yan staring blankly at the computer screen, unable to resist coming closer.

Lowering her voice, she grit her teeth and said, “The more I think about it, the angrier I get! That fat bastard Bai Rui is shameless! I didn’t sleep all night last night. Look at these dark circles—I’m almost wearing them down to my chin!”

She had already received the formal offer from Xingyun International and was set to start next Monday.

But according to Zhang Yan, unless they voluntarily gave up three months’ performance bonuses and unreimbursed travel expenses, they would be blocked.

Lulu knew clearly that when push came to shove, she would definitely choose Xingyun International.

A big company job with a highly promising department was a dream opportunity worth even paying thousands out of pocket to get in.

But the inner frustration and anger were impossible to suppress.

Her salary was already low, and all those performance bonuses came from working overtime desperately, but now...

Listening to Lulu’s low complaints, Zhang Yan’s gaze also grew troubled.

Although she was prepared to fight hard, a deep unease remained.

Just then, a message popped up in the DingTalk workgroup.

[Content Director Bai Rong: “@everyone, meeting in the conference room.”]

Zhang Yan’s face tightened instantly; she breathed lightly and stood up.

The entire content department, including her and Lulu, was only eight people total.

The atmosphere in the conference room was somewhat oppressive; many secretly glanced at Zhang Yan.

After all, yesterday afternoon’s incident with Bai Rui shouting so loudly had already spread around the company.

No one expected Zhang Yan, such a quiet person, to be so tough.

“Ah—” The conference room door was pushed open; the chubby figure of Bai Rui entered.

His expression was serious; his gloomy gaze first swept over Zhang Yan, then he sat at the front.

The air in the room instantly thickened further.

Zhang Yan sat in a corner, uneasy.

In su